Prime Highlight
- Toyota announced a $912 million investment across five Southern U.S. plants to expand hybrid vehicle and engine production.
- The investment is part of Toyota’s broader plan to invest up to $10 billion in the U.S. by 2030, creating 252 new jobs.
Key Facts
- The largest portion, $453 million, will go to the Buffalo, West Virginia, plant to increase assembly of four-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, while $204.4 million will be directed to Georgetown, Kentucky, for similar engine production.
- Toyota is expanding Corolla manufacturing in Blue Springs, Mississippi, with a $125 million investment to include hybrid models, with most projects expected to be completed by 2027.
Background
Toyota Motor announced on Tuesday that it will invest $912 million in manufacturing plants across five Southern U.S. states as part of its plan to invest up to $10 billion in the country by 2030. The new spending focuses on expanding hybrid vehicle production, an area where Toyota remains the clear market leader with more than 51% share through the third quarter of this year.
The largest portion of the new investment, $453 million, will go to Toyota’s plant in Buffalo, West Virginia, to increase the assembly of four-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines. Another $204.4 million will be directed to the Georgetown, Kentucky, plant for similar engine production. In addition, Toyota will invest $125 million in Blue Springs, Mississippi, to expand Corolla manufacturing to include hybrid models. The company expects the upgrades to create 252 new jobs. Most projects are set to be completed by 2027.
Kevin Voelkel, Toyota Motor North America’s senior vice president of manufacturing operations, said the company is preparing to meet rising hybrid demand in the U.S. “Customers are embracing Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, and our U.S. manufacturing teams are gearing up to meet that growing demand,” he said. Voelkel added that Toyota remains committed to its long-held philosophy of “building where we sell.”
The announcement comes shortly after Toyota confirmed President Donald Trump’s statement that the automaker plans to invest an additional $10 billion beyond previous commitments over the next five years in the U.S. The update also follows media reports that Chairman Akio Toyoda wore “Make America Great Again” apparel while hosting a racing event in Japan, where he reportedly commented on global tariff policies.
Toyota, like the rest of the auto industry, is adjusting its production strategy amid shifting U.S. regulations on electric vehicles and ongoing trade tariffs affecting new cars and parts.
